Q&A with Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops conductor

Saturday

Dubbed “America’s Orchestra,” the Boston Pops is especially beloved during the holidays, when it performs many of the traditional songs to which people attach fond memories with the holiday season.

Dubbed “America’s Orchestra,” the Boston Pops is especially beloved during the holidays, when it performs many of the traditional songs to which people attach fond memories with the holiday season. The Norwich Bulletin spoke with conductor Keith Lockhart, who has brought his own style to the widely received orchestra best known for its Christmas and Fourth of July performances:

Q: The Boston Pops will be getting some help in the form of a chorus, the Gloriae Dei Cantores Choir. What can you tell me about them? What kind of sound do they have?

A: Well it’s a really wonderful chorus; I’ve worked with them off and on over 12 or 13 years. They are based in Orleans, Mass., on the Cape (Cod). They are actually one of the best amateur chorus groups I’ve ever worked with. They have a wonderful blend of English choral tradition sound. They’re tons of fun to work with and add a lot to anything we do.

Q: Tell me a bit about your world premiere of “Polar Express.” How did you come about that selection, and what will audiences enjoy about it?

A: We balance the things we bring every year with new works — the holidays are all about coming back to tradition, to things loved. This year our new tradition is the modern classic, “Polar Express.” For many people “Polar Express” serves the same function as when people read “The Night Before Christmas.” It’s filling that function for new generations. We decided to make a setting using the drawings of Chris Van Allsburg’s book, and we’re using the music from the movie. It’s a great score and a great story. It’s never been performed before, and we’re debuting this — it’s receiving its premiere on the tour. ...

Q: How do you keep the holiday songs sounding so fresh year after year?

A: Well we try to vary the recipe a little bit over the years and try not to repeat ourselves too much. For us it’s exciting to see a positive response from people ages 8 to 80 enjoying our orchestra — that keeps it fresh in itself.

Q: Can you tell what some of the favorites are by audience reaction? Is there one holiday song in particular you feel they would be disappointed if they didn’t hear?

A: Well I think we’ve had problems in the past if we haven’t done a sing-along.

Q: What makes sing-alongs so popular?

A: I think it could be the most popular feature in the holiday show. It’s a joyful noise. I think because people really have — deep down in their soul — they have a need to sing. But most people are afraid to do it in normal situations. There’s safety in numbers, and then there’s the orchestra, so people feel free to let loose and that’s great.

Q: Arthur Fiedler and then John Williams became so synonymous with the Boston Pops. And now you have had a long run with it. What do you bring to the table that either compares or doesn’t compare to what these two icons managed to instill in the pops?

A: I don’t know — it’s a different time. Arthur was at the Pops for 50 years, so his name will always be synonymous with the Pops. John Williams was my predecessor, and was known to the world as a composer — he’s the most famous composer living, he wrote the score to “Star Wars.” I don’t have John Williams’ composition legacy, but I have a wide ranging love of music of all types. I’ve tried to bring everything from indie rock to great jazz to classics to Broadway. We’ve probably have the most wide-ranging smorgasbord the Pops have ever presented — at least that’s what I hope.”

Q: What is your favorite part of the holiday pops?

A: Well I think it really is the audience connection we feel more strongly than any other time of year. People are poised to have fun. People say it just wouldn’t be Christmas without us, and that’s a thrilling thing.

For more information on the Boston Pops and the holiday tour, visit www.bso.org.

Norwich Bulletin

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.